Current Planning Manager

Actively Reviewing the Applications

City of Sammamish

On-site

Posted 6 hours ago • Apply by June 16, 2026

Job Description

Join our team as Current Planning Manager and drive the city’s growth. Lead a high-performing team, oversee permits, apply codes and standards, and guide projects that transform the community.

Why join us?

Impactful Work: Lead development that transforms the community and leaves a lasting impact.
Professional Growth: Access to continuous learning opportunities and career advancement.
Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, FSA, retirement plans, and generous paid time off (vacation and sick).
Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated and supportive team passionate about public service.
Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work schedules and a commitment to your well-being; 14 paid holidays plus a floating holiday.

The Current Planning Manager is responsible for leading the Community Development Department's Current Planning workgroup in implementing the City’s land use and development permit functions, ensuring high-quality service and effective resolution of development-related issues for permit applicants and the public. Work involves applying land use regulations, zoning, codes, development standards, and environmental standards through review, approval, and inspection of permit applications. This position is responsible for implementing the City’s adopted Community Vision and Comprehensive Plan by guiding development activities to achieve desired community outcomes while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations and codes.

The Current Planning Manager reports to the Community Development Assistant Director (Development). The Current Planning workgroup is one of four groups within the Development division of the Community Development Department.The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Manages and oversees the administration, coordination, and public dissemination of information related to the City’s permitting programs, including subdivisions, short subdivisions, final plats, plat amendments, zone reclassifications, conditional use permits, shoreline permits, commercial site development permits, reasonable use exceptions, variances, public agency and utility exceptions, boundary line adjustments, binding site plans, site development construction permits, commercial and residential building permits, tenant improvements, and clearing and grading permits.
Serves as a working manager, actively participating in the technical review and processing of permit applications and development proposals while supervising and supporting planning staff. Performs work at both strategic and operational levels and assists with complex reviews, problem-solving, and customer service needs to ensure effective and timely outcomes.
Supervises, assigns, and evaluates the work of current planning staff responsible for the review and processing of development permit applications; provides technical guidance, mentoring, and quality control to ensure consistent interpretation of development regulations, strong customer service, and efficient permit processing.
Provides active performance management of assigned staff, including setting clear expectations, monitoring workload and productivity, providing coaching and professional development, conducting performance evaluations, and addressing performance concerns when necessary to maintain a high-performing and accountable team.
Establishes and monitors project timelines and performance expectations for permit review and planning activities to ensure work is completed in accordance with statutory requirements, internal service standards, and assigned deadlines. Tracks project progress, prioritizes workloads, and takes proactive steps to address delays and maintain timely, predictable outcomes..
Ensures the quality, accuracy, and clarity of staff reports, technical analyses, and other deliverables, including recommendations to decision-makers. Reviews and edits materials prepared by staff to maintain high professional standards, clear communication, and defensible findings that support informed decision-making.
Reviews complex and large-scale development proposals for compliance with applicable land use, zoning, environmental, and design regulations; issues corrections and conditions of approval; approves plans and verifies compliance with City codes while balancing environmental protection objectives with the reasonable use of private property.
Applies a solution-oriented approach to development review and regulatory implementation by identifying practical pathways to compliance, facilitating collaboration among applicants, staff, agencies, and community members, and helping resolve issues while maintaining adherence to applicable regulations and community goals.
Evaluates development proposals, City initiatives, and proposals from external agencies to determine feasibility, impacts on community growth, environmental resources, and infrastructure; prepares balanced and well-reasoned recommendations that support sustainable development while respecting property rights and regulatory requirements.
Serves as the City’s Responsible Official under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and as the Shoreline Administrator under the Shoreline Management Act (SMA), under the direction of the Assistant Director (Development) or Director; administers environmental review processes and shoreline regulations to protect natural resources while ensuring fair and consistent application of development rights.
Manages consultant contracts and work related to Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and other planning initiatives; reviews SEPA checklists, EIS documents, and technical studies; provides recommendations regarding environmental impacts, mitigation measures, and regulatory compliance while considering practical development feasibility.
Prepares staff reports, technical analyses, and recommendations for land use applications including variances, rezones, conditional use permits, planned developments, shoreline permits, and subdivisions; represents the City before the Hearing Examiner and other decision-making bodies as required, ensuring reports and recommendations are completed within established timelines.
Coordinates and assists in the preparation, amendment, and implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan; conducts research and analysis, drafts policy and regulatory updates, and prepares ordinances that support community goals related to environmental stewardship, responsible growth, and protection of private property rights.
Coordinates annual updates to the Comprehensive Plan and Capital Facilities Plan, ensuring consistency with state law, local priorities, and environmental and infrastructure planning objectives while maintaining required schedules and reporting deadlines.
Leads and supports community engagement and collaborative problem-solving related to development proposals, long-range planning initiatives, and regulatory updates; organizes and participates in public meetings, workshops, and outreach activities to ensure meaningful participation and transparency in planning decisions.
Works collaboratively and respectfully with community members, neighborhood groups, property owners, and stakeholders to listen to concerns, provide clear information, and help identify constructive solutions that address community interests while maintaining compliance with City policies and regulations.
Provides clear, accessible information and guidance to the public—including architects, engineers, planners, developers, contractors, real estate professionals, and residents—regarding land use regulations, environmental requirements, zoning standards, and development processes, helping stakeholders understand how environmental protection and property rights are balanced within City regulations.
Presents reports, project updates, and recommendations to the City Council, boards, commissions, neighborhood groups, and other community stakeholders; represents the City at public meetings, hearings, and events, which may include evening or weekend attendance.
Establishes and maintains effective, respectful, and collaborative working relationships with coworkers, elected officials, community members, consultants, partner agencies, and members of the public. Demonstrates a commitment to working constructively with individuals of diverse cultural, linguistic, professional, and personal backgrounds, fostering inclusive participation, mutual respect, and productive dialogue in all aspects of the planning process.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises Current Planning workgroup staff, including Assistant Planners, Associate Planners, and Senior Planners.
Reviews and evaluate work methods and procedures and meet with management staff to identify and resolve problems.
Assesses and monitor workload; identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes.
Select, train, motivate, and evaluate employees; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures per established policies, procedures, and executive guidance.
Supervises and participate in the development and administration of the departmental budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Land Use Planning, Community Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Environmental Planning, Architecture, or a closely related field.

Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including substantial experience in current planning, development review, and land use permitting, including supervisory or lead experience directing the work of professional planning staff, coordinating interdisciplinary review teams, or managing complex development projects.

Experience working with land use regulations, zoning codes, environmental review processes, and public engagement in a municipal or comparable governmental setting is highly desirable.

Employees must be residents of Washington State.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

May be required to possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver License and the ability to drive a city owned vehicle per established policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.

KNOWLEDGE OF

In-depth knowledge of urban planning, land use, zoning, subdivision regulations, site design, and urban design concepts. Ability to apply planning and demographic analysis to assess development proposals and long-range planning initiatives.
Thorough knowledge of environmental review principles, including the preparation and evaluation of SEPA checklists, Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and mitigation plans. Knowledge of environmental mitigation sequencing and strategies for protecting natural resources while balancing development goals and property rights.
Knowledge of construction methods and best practices for subdivisions, clearing and grading, single-family residences, and commercial development. Knowledge of technical requirements, site development standards, and inspection processes.
Comprehensive knowledge of applicable Washington State laws, including the Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Shoreline Management Act (SMA), as well as other state and federal laws and regulations that affect land use, development, and environmental protection.
Knowledge of best practices in permit business processes, workflow optimization, and permitting software configurations to ensure efficient, accurate, and timely permit review and issuance.
Knowledge of regulations pertaining to environmental mitigation sequencing, critical area protection, shoreline management, natural resource conservation, and sustainable development practices. Ability to interpret and apply these regulations to balance environmental protection with reasonable development opportunities.
Knowledge of supervisory principles, performance management, and strategies for leading and mentoring staff while fostering collaboration with community members, applicants, agencies, and other stakeholders.

Skills / Abilities:

Ability to review complex development proposals, environmental analyses, and technical reports; interpret land use, zoning, and environmental regulations; and provide sound, evidence-based recommendations.
Ability to quickly understand, evaluate, and prioritize complex planning, regulatory, and community issues, determining which require immediate attention and which can be addressed through planned processes or longer-term strategies.
Ability to apply a proactive, practical approach to resolving development, regulatory, and community concerns while balancing environmental protection, property rights, and organizational objectives.
Ability to supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff; set clear performance expectations; manage workloads and priorities; provide constructive feedback; and address performance issues when necessary to ensure a high-performing and accountable team.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, monitor progress, and ensure deliverables including reports, permit decisions, and plan updates—are completed accurately and on schedule.
Skill in building, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with internal teams, elected and appointed officials, community members, neighborhood groups, applicants, developers, partner agencies, and other stakeholders. Ability to facilitates productive dialogue, consensus-building, and long-term collaboration on complex planning, development, and regulatory issues.
Proficiency in planning and permitting software, geographic information systems (GIS), and other tools necessary for effective land use review, permitting processes, and data analysis.
Ability to apply local, state, and federal law, including GMA, SEPA, and SMA, along with development regulations to ensure compliance while supporting sustainable growth and responsible land use.
Skill in interpreting and applying the City’s vision, policies, and Comprehensive Plan in day-to-day planning and development review; ability to translate long-range planning objectives into actionable projects, permitting decisions, and community outcomes.
Commitment to producing high-quality deliverables, including technical reports, permit reviews, and staff recommendations, with attention to detail, clarity, and professional standards.
Ability to work effectively under changing priorities, respond to emerging issues, and collaborate with individuals of diverse cultural, linguistic, professional, and personal backgrounds.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and extended periods of time standing and/or walking.

Environmental Requirements

Tasks are regularly performed inside without exposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g., dirt, fumes, temperature, weather, and noise extremes).

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing.